[Prologue, Saturday: Eichi]

[doublecrows]

[sometime late evening, long after the day has come to a close, Akechi returns to his shared. . . green. . . room with Eichi. he looks a bit somber, but he does manage to say with artificial cheer]

That was rather exciting, don't you think?

Comments

[finethanks]

It certainly was.

[He doesn't even correct him on the use of the word, since he'd use the same one himself. He's smiling thinly himself, masking his own concerns.]

I was curious, though... What was it that you and Sharpay-chan discussed, exactly? Did she seem suspicious or strange? I wonder why you didn't mention a thing, when you came to bed.

[doublecrows]

[and Akechi adopts a pensive expression, as he meanders over to their shared bed and takes a seat at the edge. making a face at all of the lime green as he does so. but most of all, he just looks. . . disappointed]

There were many things I missed in that conversation. [BECAUSE I OOCLY AM A MORON] She and I spoke about what we thought of the inhabitants of the manor, as well as our theories on the makeup of this war game. I could sense ulterior motives, but I didn't make the connection between them and a recent homicide. That's why I didn't mention it when I returned to the room that night.

[. . .]

There was ink on her arm. [mmmm] I should have made the connection so much sooner.

[finethanks]

I didn't say that in order to have you beat yourself up, Akechi-kun.

[Eichi moves over to the bed, sitting next to Akechi, of course.] Ink meant nothing much at that point in time, did it? The tapestry of Gi-Gan had been leaking it from the start. I was viewing that, as well.

Even if the ink had been a different color... I would have assumed a creative project rather than anything else. Suspicious behavior could simply mean nervousness, as well, and weren't we all on edge?

[doublecrows]

[. . . he gives Eichi a glance out of the corners of his eyes, brows furrowing, like he doesn't. quite understand the words coming out of his partner's mouth]

You don't have to try to make me feel better, Tenshouin.

. . . as much as I do appreciate your words of comfort.

[finethanks]

If I said nothing at all, I would seem cold and heartless, wouldn't I?

[Is that the reason...] In any case... We can both pay more attention to our meetings throughout the week.

[doublecrows]

[UNSURE UNSURE??]

[but the practical statement is something he can understand better. and so, he nods]

That's my intention. I don't plan on being blindsided by a killer twice.

[finethanks]

With those "gifts" in question, it may not be so easy. Discussion of them brought it to light that it would be difficult to rule anything out.

[He is already sitting fairly close, but now he rests his hands on the bed, meaning one in between them, as well.]

[doublecrows]

[. . . . . . . UNSURE!!! he does glance at that hand, before very purposefully moving his back to his lap. no!! too close!!]

That's right. . . although Evans eventually admitted to moving Gi-Gan's body on her own, we now know there's someone out there capable of manipulating entire suits of armor. Who knows what other gifts exist, an in what ways they can be used to commit a crime?

[finethanks]

That, too, is "exciting," isn't it?

[Haha...] What I'm even more concerned about is the fact that we can apparently be moved from our rooms simply for the fun of it. It's even more reason to cling close to one another, isn't it?

[Now he's just doing this to mess with Akechi]

[doublecrows]

[why are u like this Eichi]

. . . we may be able to get away with the simple act of locking our door.

[finethanks]

You and I both know that won't do a thing. Locks aren't even necessary, with the way the handles burn our hands.

[He doesn't even want to try that, now that he tested it like day one trying to get in here.]

At the very least, let's have a conversation each morning.

[doublecrows]

[Eichi's right and Akechi hates it, why are the Crafters like this, why do they break into people's rooms??]

Well, it's hard to have qualms against something so simple as a morning conversations. I believe we can both do that much.

[finethanks]

If an illusion can maintain conversation, at least we'll learn that much.

[Haha... what a grim thought.]

[doublecrows]

[. . . HAHAHA. . . he sobers significantly, thinking back on what they learned at the trial]

The illusions of which Sousei-san spoke are potentially my least favorite part of this.

[he says that without really thinking, because. like. shouldn't a normal person's least favorite part be murder]

[finethanks]

[Eichi would call him out but honestly he's too used to death because everyone in his family dies? His childhood best friend is just the guy that's going to plan his funeral his parents set him up with.

But he has another direction to call out, here.]

Wouldn't that mean that you also have a favorite part?

[doublecrows]

[well, that's an interesting question. Akechi doesn't ponder it for very long before he answers with false cheer and charm]

Well, you could say that the free coffee in the kitchen is my favorite part. I usually have to pay for the quality I find here.

[finethanks]

Ah, so you're a coffee person, Akechi-kun? I prefer the tea, myself. Anything I desire is there, you're right! But, with the money I have, that's not usually an issue for me.

[Rich bitch.]

[doublecrows]

[. . . RICH BITCH]

I enjoy tea quite a bit myself, but recently I found this quaint cafe that serves the best coffee I've ever had. I suppose I've become just a little biased.

[finethanks]

[Haha, at least hearing that Akechi is genuinely enjoying coffee, of all things, makes him smile.]

If you're able to have something that you like even in this place, then that's a good thing indeed. I'm happy for you. As simple and small as it is, I believe it matters.

[doublecrows]

[thanks Joker]

It does tend to be the smaller pleasures in life that make it worth living. Particularly in grave circumstances such as these.

[finethanks]

I can't disagree with that.

[Shifting, he stands up from their shared bed.] It's all very tiring in this place. I think I'd like to sleep already.

[doublecrows]

[blinks]

Oh? Are you feeling all right?

[finethanks]

I'm fine, thank you.

[He smiles, again, just moving to find his pajamas. Warm pajamas!! He needs them.] There's just... a lot to think about coming up, isn't there? An end to this, and a start of the new week. It's enough to make me feel ill.

[doublecrows]

[watching him, quietly, with consideration. and then--]

Are you afraid?

[finethanks]

[He freezes a little in his motions, and then keeps going, curling his fingers extra into cloth.]

I'm not meant to be. An idol is someone strong who's always happy, spreading that cheer with a smile. If possible, I'd like to be like a lion, you know?

[He laughs weakly.] But the truth is, I am afraid.

[doublecrows]

[. . . huh]

[if Akechi were a better person, a person who could empathize, he might offer words of comfort. being an idol is far different than being a participant in a killing game. but he. . . isn't. he isn't good at empathizing with others. and he can't help but wonder, while he ponders on Eichi's feelings on the subject--]

I'm not.

[huh]

Is that strange?

[finethanks]

Though I admit I may not be the best person to ask a question like that, I don't believe I'd call it strange. Fear is a reaction in response to threat, isn't it? If you're confident, or if perhaps you're calm and prepared, then there's not nearly as much reason to be afraid.

[Maybe that's too scientific, though.] Does it feel strange?

[doublecrows]

[I don't know]

Not particularly. I am, after all, a homicide detective.

I suppose this sort of danger is the kind of danger I've become desensitized to.

[finethanks]

If you're less afraid, you may be less careful, as well. At the same time, you may be more in control.

So, in this, let's help one another out, shall we? I'll keep an eye on you, for your safety.

[doublecrows]

[a chuckle, and Akechi nods]

That is what a partnership is for. Then let's balance each other out as much as possible.